Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

Abstract: An intravaginal support apparatus. The intravaginal support apparatus comprises a pessary ring having a substantially annular configuration and a narrowed configuration, a locking mechanism which retains and switches between the annular configuration and the narrowed configuration, and one or more expandable elements having expanded and unexpanded configurations, attached to one or more of the locking mechanism and the pessary ring. The pessary ring laterally expands from the narrowed configuration to the annular configuration; the expandable element expands outwardly of the pessary ring, from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A connection device for an adjustable connection of a medical device, preferably a head restraint, to an accessory of a stationary device, preferably an operating table, is provided. The medical device can be connected to one end, and the stationary device can be connected with the other end of the connection device, and this connection device has at least two holding arms (10a, 10b, 10c) connected via a ball and socket joint, with the first holding arm (10a) comprising a joint socket (110a), the second holding arm (10b) a ball joint (12a) matched thereto. The ball and socket joint can be fixed in a desired angular position by a detachable clamping device. Here, the ball joint (12a) and the holding arm (10b) supporting it are inserted on a common connecting cone (25, 25c, 25d, 25e) and are clamped thereto in the axial and radial direction.

Abstract: Described herein are exemplary embodiments of improved surgical positioners that not only help position a patient during surgery, but also help maintain the patient's body temperature during surgery. Some exemplary surgical positioning devices disclosed herein comprise a flexible shell defining a deflatable air-tight internal region partially filled with beads and an electrical warming fabric coupled to an internal surface of the shell that is adjacent to the patient. The warming fabric is configured to convert electrical current into heat for warming the patient during surgery.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, comprising a patient support having one or more pads for supporting a patient's torso and hip in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one, elongated leg support extends from the patient support. The leg support is movable through a generally horizontal plane. A portion of the leg support is declinable and inclinable from the horizontal plane. A traction device is connected to the leg support. The traction device is attachable to a patient's leg and operable to exert a traction force on the patient's leg along an axis generally parallel to the leg support. The traction device is connected to the leg support by a slide assembly and the traction device can be secured stationary relative to the leg support or the traction device can slide relative to the leg support.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for an anatomical part comprises a support collar that comprising an annular body. An elastic sealing membrane is positioned within the support collar. The sealing membrane defines an annular sealed chamber having a given inner diameter in a natural state of the elastic material. A port in the sealing apparatus is in fluid communication with the chamber. The port is adapted to be in fluid communication with a device for reducing pressure in the chamber to increase the given inner diameter of the chamber in a collapsed state, so that an anatomical part may be inserted into the sealing apparatus. A sealing apparatus and accessories are also provided, as is a method for sealing an anatomical part in an inner cavity of an accessory.

Abstract: A fixation device configured to anchor an implantable medical device within a patient includes a temporary biodegradable fixation mechanism configured to secure the device after implantation until the temporary fixation mechanism biodegrades and a chronic fixation mechanism configured to promote tissue growth that secures the device to tissue of the patient before the temporary fixation mechanism biodegrades.

Abstract: Embodiments provide cigarette rolling and forming devices that include parallel cylinders extending between a pair of support plates, and a looped belt trained therearound. One cylinder is moveable relative to the other via a pair of curvilinear slots, and the device is configured for alternately receiving and compressing loose tobacco into a tobacco rod with the belt. In some devices, a nozzle is provided to allow longitudinal displacement of the formed tobacco rod into a pre-formed cigarette tube, and some devices include a pushing device to effect this longitudinal displacement. In some embodiments, a light source is provided and configured to illuminate a portion of the device, such as the nozzle or the recess between the cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a cigarette filter material having a filter having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

Abstract: A process for producing a coated filter plug for a smoking article including: (a) incorporating an additive to a porous filter plug, thereby obtaining an impregnated filter plug; (b) coating a surface of the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linkable polymer material; and (c) cross-linking the cross-linkable polymer material, to form a cross-linked, breakable coating substantially enclosing the impregnated filter plug. The process may further include at least partially coating the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linking agent prior to, or subsequent to, coating with the cross-linkable polymer material.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, and at least one air inlet operable to establish a predetermined resistance to draw under a prescribed test of said smoking article.

Abstract: A cartomizer for an electronic cigarette having an elongated, hollow body with a mouthpiece in a first end and a battery coupling in an opposite second end. An atomizing coil is disposed in the body generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cartomizer and has positive and negative terminal leads pressfit connected to positive and negative terminals separated by an insulative spacer in the battery coupling. A fibrous wick is inserted inside the atomizing coil and a cloth tube is disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartomizer and extends from the atomizing coil to the mouthpiece. A volatile liquid mixture of preferably 80% propylene glycol and 20% veggie glycol with liquid nicotine and/or flavoring is disposed in the body.

Abstract: An atomizer for electronic cigarette comprises a mouth-piece, an atomization shell and a thread bushing. The atomization shell is a hollow pipe with its first end connected to the mouth-piece and second end sealed by a sealing sleeve and the thread bushing. An aerosol passage is provided inside the atomization shell. The aerosol passage has one end in communication with an orifice of the mouth-piece and another end communicating with the sealing sleeve muff-coupled to the thread bushing. The atomization shell has a first intermediary piece extending into the sealing sleeve for introducing tobacco liquid stored in the atomization shell into the sealing sleeve. An electric heater is provided between the sealing sleeve and the thread bushing. The electric heater heats up the tobacco liquid immerged in the first intermediary piece to make it atomized. The atomized tobacco liquid flows through the aerosol passage and is discharged through the mouth-piece.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes an outer tube extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner tube within the outer tube and including a pair of opposing slots, a liquid supply comprising a liquid material, a coil heater, a wick and a mouth end insert. The coil heater is located in the inner tube. The coil heater is formed of an iron-free, nickel-chromium alloy and has substantially uniformly spaced windings. The wick is surrounded by the coil heater such that the wick delivers liquid material to the coil heater and the coil heater heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol in the inner tube.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a fibrous element downstream of the heater.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article comprising an aerosol generator and a mechanical aerosol converter insert having the capacity to improve characteristics of aerosol produced by the aerosol generator, including sensory attributes.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and an aroma carrier on an outer surface of the outer tube. The aroma carrier includes fragrance material and is operable to deliver fragrance during smoking.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.

Abstract: Disclosed are cosmetic toner formulations and methods for their use comprising botanical plant extracts and a cosmetic vehicle.

Abstract: A hair iron has two hingedly connected arms between which hair may be clamped and heated. A heating element is included on one or both arms, regulated by a temperature controller. A compartment is formed in one or both arms to hold a capsule for containing a fluid, and a connector, which includes liquid passing ports and a gas passing ports, the connector forming a coupling between the capsule and a pump and dispensing outlets within the arm. As the pump is pressed, gas passes through the connector into the capsule, creating pressure to force out liquid. The liquid passes through the connector and arm to exit at dispensing outlets located near the heaters. The fluid may be converted to steam by the heating elements.

Abstract: A hair adornment accessory having an attachment structure that selectively envelops and grips the natural hair of a user, and an esthetic device coupled to the attachment structure. The attachment structure may be a tube, optionally having a slot along its entire length, into which a plug having a streamer or the like may be inserted so as to pinch the natural hair. An aesthetic member such as a streamer, tassel, etc. may be fixed to the plug, the attachment structure, or to both. In other embodiments the hair adornment accessory may be a tube which is longitudinally split and hinged to selectively open to receive the natural hair and then close and lock to retain the natural hair. The esthetic device may also include flexible filamentary members or other ancillary decorative features. No ancillary tools are needed to install the hair adornment accessory.

Abstract: A cleaning method for cleaning an object includes preparing a cleaning liquid. A dissolved nitrogen concentration in the cleaning liquid is adjusted based on a size of a foreign substance to be removed from the object with a highest removal efficiency. The object is dipped in the cleaning liquid while irradiating the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning an object includes a cleaning tank holding a cleaning liquid, the object being cleanable by the cleaning liquid. A coupling tank holding an intermediate medium is in contact with a portion of the cleaning tank. An ultrasonic wave generation unit is disposed at the coupling tank and configured to ultrasonically vibrate the cleaning liquid via the intermediate medium. A modification unit is configured to modify a difference in sonic velocity between the cleaning liquid and the intermediate medium.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning chamber includes a contoured ceiling electrode having an arcuate surface that faces a substrate support and has a variable cross-sectional thickness to vary the gap size between the arcuate surface and the substrate support to provide a varying plasma density across the substrate support. A dielectric ring for the cleaning chamber comprises a base, a ridge, and a radially inward ledge that covers the peripheral lip of the substrate support. A base shield comprises a circular disc having at least one perimeter wall. Cleaning and conditioning processes for the cleaning chamber are also described.

Abstract: A device includes a jig having a plate with through-holes formed therein and also having a frame formed on the plate so as to be able to accommodate a plurality of semiconductor chips in spaced relationship, a foreign matter capture member having a first charge section with a first flat surface and a second charge section with a second flat surface, the second charge section being insulated from the first charge section, charging means for positively charging the first flat surface and negatively charging the second flat surface, and sliding means for causing either the jig or the foreign matter capture member to slide relative to the other in such a manner that the through-holes of the jig face and are spaced a predetermined distance from the first and second flat surfaces. The through-holes are formed in different regions defined and surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: The improved trash container may have a dustpan attached to the opening of the trash container. The dustpan engages the ground when the trash container is laid down flat. As the trash container is moved from one location to another, the lip of the dustpan is self sharpening. The ground sharpens the lip of the dust pan to further improve contact between the floor and the lip or mitigate dust from slipping under the dustpan itself when the waste product is being swept into the trash container. Moreover, the improved trash container may have a raised lower portion to balance the trashcan on the lip and the raised portion to facilitate contact between the lip and the ground. The lip may be manufactured from a softer material compared to the raised proportion to increase the life span of the improved trash container.

Abstract: A cleaner for the hulls of boats or ships comprises a supporting frame (2), at least one cleaning element (5) associated with the frame (2) and which can be positioned opposite a surface (4) to be cleaned, hold-down means (7) connected to the frame (2) and acting between the frame (2) and the surface (4) to be cleaned, for keeping the cleaner in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and movement means (13) associated with the frame (2) for moving, in conjunction with the hold-down means (7), the frame (2) along the surface (4) to be cleaned.

Abstract: An artificial turf cleaning system and a method for cleaning artificial turf surfaces are disclosed. The artificial turf cleaning system includes (a) at least two wheels, (b) at least one liquid tank, (c) a tap for controlling the dripping rate and covering at least one liquid tank, (d) a cleaning drum having replaceable brushes, and wherein the cleaning drum is coupled mechanically to the wheels by cog-wheels transmission gear, (e) a removable rubbish storage tank, and (f) a handle, wherein the artificial turf cleaning system is designed for manually cleaning artificial turf surfaces.

Abstract: A plate with a static charge on a surface is used to clean a brush. The plate uses both static charge and mechanical force to remove particles from the surface of the brush to increase the useful life of the brush.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wiping dust, oils, and dirt off of the display of a phone when inserting said phone into a phone case. Such method and apparatus providing for a more convenient and more complete cleaning of the display of the phone during regular use of said phone case.

Abstract: An arena cleaning machine includes cleaning members, such as pads or brushes supported on a carriage that provides stability to the cleaning members and situates them in a position to contact the surface of ice rink dasher boards. The cleaning members are moveable into a desired cleaning position by adjusting their position along the carriage. A driver of the machine can make several passes around the rink, cleaning successive strips on the dasher boards.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for employing softened acidified water sources from an acid regenerated ion exchange resins are disclosed. Various methods of dispensing and/or using the softened acidic water generated by an acid regenerate-able ion exchange resin are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, including water conditioning agents, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for removal of deleterious chemicals from a fiber optic line. The system may a fiber optic line having two ends, an outer tube, an optical fiber, and an inner volume, a fluid operable to move through the inner volume, the fluid operable to remove at least one deleterious chemical other than hydrogen from the fiber optic line, and a fluid controller connected to at least one end of the fiber optic line and operable to control movement of the fluid through the inner volume. According to another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of removing a deleterious chemical from a fiber optic line. According to a third embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of removing a deleterious chemical from a fiber optic line by introducing a vacuum in an inner volume of a sealed fiber optic line in a static or cyclical manner.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system adapted for installation on a tank with transparent walls, with the kit comprising an outer element, an inner element which is adapted for cleaning the inner surfaces of the walls of the tank and which is magnetically coupled to the outer element, a horizontal guide rail, a horizontal drive means that moves a carriage along the guide rail, a vertical drive means fixed to the carriage that drives a shuttle that is fixed to the outer element, and a programmable motion-control system that can controllably move the inner element.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber in which liquid may be sprayed from at least one sprayer for the treating of dishes within the treating chamber. A liquid recirculation system may be provided for recirculating the sprayed liquid back to the at least one sprayer. An ozone generator may be provided in communication with the treating chamber to supply ozone to the treating chamber.

Abstract: A tank system is described for dropping fluid onto a passing vehicle. The tank system includes a tank with a fluid supply inlet. Optionally, a soap injector is included for injecting soap into the water flow to create a fluid mix that is supplied to the tank. A lighting system is attached to the tank. The fluid mix, or any other chemical in the tank, may be heated with the heating unit. An air motor is included for providing air to an air manifold that is disposed within the tank. When air is introduced into the fluid mix, bubbles are created. As the fluid mix and bubbles fill the tank, they fall from the tank via an overflow lip, with the fluid mix and/or bubbles being illuminated by the lighting system as they fall onto a vehicle passing below.

Abstract: Plant for washing trolleyed objects provided with a head wall. The plant comprises a washing chamber to wash the trolleyed objects, and an extraction device working under traction, to extract the trolleyed objects from inside the washing chamber to an unloading zone outside the washing chamber. The extraction device comprises an unloading structure defining the unloading zone, a movement mechanism assembled on an upper wall of the unloading structure, and an extraction arm assembled on the movement mechanism and provided with attachment members which cooperate from above with the head wall. The movement mechanism moves the extraction arm between a first position, in which the attachment members are inside the washing chamber and cooperate from above with the head wall, and a second position, in which the attachment members are outside the washing chamber and carry out the extraction of the trolleyed object.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a collection system of debris is shown and described. The apparatus may include a debris collector having a capacity and an inlet hose operatively coupled with the debris collector, at least a portion of the inlet hose positionable within the collection system. The apparatus may also include at least one vacuum operatively coupled with the debris collector, where the vacuum creates suction capable of forcing debris and fluid from the collection system into the inlet hose, and a debris reduction assembly attached to the inlet hose, where the debris reduction assembly is capable of generally reducing a size of the debris entering the inlet hose.

Abstract: In order to recover the resources (cleaning agent, heat) contained in the cleaning agent vapors suctioned off a cleaning system for cleaning industrially produced components, it is proposed to guide the suctioned-off waste air ({dot over (V)}ab) in a recovery device (5) through a heat register (9) of a refrigeration device (6) and thereby to heat it substantially to the temperature of the waste air ({dot over (V)}ab), and to supply the waste air ({dot over (V)}ab) heated and dried in this manner to the cleaning chamber (2) in the region of a bulkhead door (16) as preheated dried supply air ({dot over (V)}zu).

Abstract: Cleaning systems and methods include use of a container or holding apparatus to receive one or more components used in a medical procedure (e.g., a walled container or a non-walled container including a plurality of holding structures) and a manifold apparatus. For example, the manifold apparatus may include an inlet connection connectable to a reprocessor fitting of a reprocessing apparatus to receive a fluid therefrom (e.g., a cleaning solution, a disinfecting solution, and a rinsing solution) and one or more outlets configured to provide the at least one fluid into or through one or more components received by the container. For example, the one or more outlets may include an outlet connection connectable to a component fitting of at least one of the components.

Abstract: A method of removing a reaction gas remaining in a process chamber after a process of treating a substrate in the process chamber is completed includes exhausting the reaction gas remaining in the process chamber to a region outside of the process chamber through an exhaust line, and supplying a cleaning gas into the process chamber through a gas supplying line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the acidic cleaning in the beer industry, and more particularly an improved process for acidic cleaning of the various elements and vessels that are used in the preparation of beer and other and other related fermented beverages, said cleaning being carried out by using a formulation comprising at least one alkane sulphonic acid.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a walking aid including multi-handles is described.

Abstract: A stake system and method configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object are provided. In one embodiment, the stake system includes a flexible line and a stake member having an elongated portion and a distal portion. One end of the flexible line couples to the distal portion of the stake member. The distal portion of the stake member and the flexible line are driven into the loose material. The flexible line is moved to extend tautly from the distal portion and through the loose material at an angle such that an end of the flexible line above the loose material couples to the object.

Abstract: A support frame for a tent comprising a pair of spaced-apart gables each gable comprising a pair of rafters hingedly connected relative to one another at their upper ends via an apex connector to form an apex, and a ridge beam connected at its opposite ends to the apexes and pivotally moveable relative to each apex about a substantially fixed axis, the fixed axis lying in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of a rafter.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The thermoelectric module includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements disposed between first and second substrates opposite to each other and including a metal electrode, the plurality of thermoelectric elements are formed by alternately arranging n-type and p-type thermoelectric semiconductor elements doped with nano particles, and the thermoelectric module includes a thermoelectric element doped with nano particles and connected in series through a metal electrode of upper and lower insulating substrates. Thereby, a thermoelectric index can increase without a high production cost and thus a thermoelectric module having excellent efficiency can be manufactured.